"But what if your hope in another world deceive you?"
The old man looked at him with astonishment.
"How can I be deceived? God is faithful. He keeps his promises."
"And what has he promised you?"
"Eternal happiness if I persevere, patient and just, to the end."
"I wonder at your strong faith!"
"It is my sole possession on earth. What would support us poor people, what would keep us from despair, if religion did not?"
Frank put his hand into his pocket.
"Here," said he, "perhaps this money will relieve your wants."
The old man looked at the bright thalers in his hand, and the tears trickled down his cheeks.